Romans 16꞉17-24 | Mark Them, and Avoid Them

The same hand that has just gathered the saints by name now lifts the lantern toward the men who crouch in the corners. As the epistle to the Romans closes, Paul commands the church to mark and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to sound doctrine, men who serve their own belly and deceive the hearts of the simple by good words and fair speeches. Yet the charge is balanced with grace: be wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil, for the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. From there we meet Tertius the scribe, and with Baruch before him (Jeremiah 36) we behold the preservation of God's word in faithful hands, accurate through fire and hostility, down to the King James Bible we hold tonight. The chapter ends where it began, in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Discernment to part with the wolf; affection to embrace the brother. KJV throughout.